Tang Dynasty: The Holy Prince, the Dragon that Reigns Over the World

Li Chengqian and his party enjoyed the scenery and understood the people's sentiments along the way. They slowly arrived outside Jingzhou City. It was already noon, and they still had half a day's journey to Jingzhou City. There were no villages around, but there was an inn not far away.

After some discussion, they decided to rest and eat by the river. Li Chengqian rode Zidian and took Changsun Chong to choose a camping site. After choosing, Li Chengqian rode to Li Shimin's carriage, dismounted and said.

"Aye, I have already chosen a place to camp. It's not far from here. Aye, let's go there now."

"Okay, my son, come with me for a walk. We have been sitting in the carriage all the way and we are all idle. It's a good time to move around. Wang De, you take the carriage and follow Chong'er, and prepare food." Li Shimin got out of the car and said with a smile.

"Okay, master, master and young master, do you want to eat anything at noon? I will prepare it for you." Wang De bowed and said with a smile.

"You old slave, you have to let me make the decisions on everything. Can't you use your brain? You are getting lazier and lazier as you get older. If it weren't for me, you would have starved to death." Li Shimin kicked Wang De lightly and scolded with a smile.

"I have served my master all my life. I am a loyal slave to my master while I am alive, and a ghostly slave to my master after I die. Naturally, my master comes first in everything." Wang De said with a smile, bowing.

"Haha, you're the only one who can say it." Li Shimin laughed.

Although Li Shimin seemed to blame Wang De, in fact all the food and accommodation arrangements along the way were decided by Li Shimin.

Especially the food, which was initially arranged by Wang De and Zhangsun Wugou, but Li Shimin was either not good in this or that. Finally, seeing this, the two simply stopped caring about it and let Li Shimin have the final say.

Although Li Shimin always complained that he had to worry about everything, he still enjoyed it. When everyone saw that Li Shimin often acted like a naughty boy, they were all happy and didn't say anything.

"Well. Don't bother too much. Let Fang Yi take the guards down to the river to catch some fish and make fish soup. You, an old slave, are quite good at making fish soup. The old thief Changsun and Chong'er really like the fish soup you make.

Oh, by the way, remember to cut some chopped coriander (coriander is native to the Mediterranean coast and Central Asia and was introduced to China by Zhang Qian in 119 BC during the Han Dynasty). When the soup is ready, add more for Dalang, he likes it.

My wife and Wan'er don't like greasy food, so prepare some seasonal side dishes and fruits, and prepare the cakes bought in Xiangzhou for them. Cut some of the pickled venison in the car and boil it in water until it's soft, as my sister and brother-in-law have bad teeth. Cut some more venison and other meat and roast them to supplement the guards' nutrition.

Roast the chicken bought in Xiangzhou according to Dalang's roasting method (actually it is beggar's chicken) and roast it for my grandson and nephew. My grandson and nephew like to eat roasted chicken, remember to roast it for a longer time. If it is not roasted well, my grandson and nephew will not be able to bite it, you old slave, watch your skin.

Bring out the naan and the pastry, and bring out the fruit wine. That's it." Li Shimin counted on his fingers and ordered.

"Dalang, what else do you want to eat?" Li Shimin asked, turning around.

"Father, you've arranged enough. If there's any more, we won't be able to finish it." Li Chengqian said with a wry smile.

"If you can't finish it, then don't finish it. When you eat, you have to eat well and eat your fill. Why do you feel bad about spending money? You are good in every way, except that you are stingy.

Let me tell you, when my father was marching to war, sometimes there was a shortage of food and fodder, and he had no idea where to eat. He was so hungry that he wanted to eat a sheep alive.

Especially when we fought-" Li Shimin began to recall the bitter past as usual.

"Yes, father, I can recite your glorious deeds by heart since I can remember. You have told me about them dozens of times along the way. Please take a rest." Li Chengqian said with a wry smile, holding his head.

"Grandfather, Qilin wants to hear your story." Li Yun got off the car and trotted towards Li Shimin. Li Shimin's face was originally unhappy, but when he saw Li Yun, he immediately smiled and opened his arms to welcome Li Yun, smiling.

"Oh, my dear grandson, please go slower, don't fall. Wang De, you old slave, why don't you go and help my dear grandson up?"

"My good grandson is still the best. He knows how to make his grandfather happy. Unlike some people, huh." Li Shimin picked up Li Yun and snorted coldly at Li Chengqian.

"Well, now that I have a grandson, I have forgotten my son." Li Chengqian said helplessly.

"You, don't blame your uncle for saying that. Your father has been a soldier all his life, and now that he is getting older, he needs more and more people to talk to and accompany him. At our age, we start to live in memories. The emperor seems to be the most glorious, but who can understand the loneliness in it.

Dalang, no matter how busy you are with state affairs, you should spend more time with your father. Our Tian Khan is getting old, no matter how talented and ambitious he is, he is still a human being. "Changsun Wuji walked over and said.

"Thank you for your teachings, uncle. I will keep them in mind." Li Chengqian was touched as he watched Li Shimin's black hair turn white. So he walked forward and said.

"Father, I will definitely spend more time with you and mother in the future."

"My father is in good health. Why do I need you to accompany me? Just take care of state affairs." Li Shimin said stubbornly, but the tears flowing from the corners of his eyes could not be faked.

Su Wan'er came over and took Li Yun away, while Li Shimin and Li Chengqian slowly walked forward. Everyone deliberately avoided the most noble father and son in the world, allowing the two to enjoy this warm moment that belonged to them.

After a while, the food was ready. Li Shimin was in a good mood and drank a few more cups with everyone. After the meal, the maids cleared the tableware and the adults sat together chatting and laughing.

Seven-year-old Li Yun and six-year-old Chang Sun Yan ran around and played together under the care of the guards.

Just when everyone was in high spirits, Li Yun suddenly came running over with his eldest grandson Yan, in dirty clothes and crying. Everyone was stunned when they saw this, and Changle and Su Wan'er hurriedly picked up the two children and comforted them with gentle voices.

"What's wrong, Qilinnu, Yan'er. Tell grandpa why you are sad?" Li Shimin looked at the two children crying and said with heartache.

"Grandfather, my cousin and I were playing in the woods just now. Suddenly a young man came out and tried to snatch the dagger from my cousin's hand. The dagger was given to my cousin by my grandfather, so my cousin naturally refused, and the man stepped forward to snatch it away.

I stepped forward to protect my cousin, and he and I were beaten by his followers." Li Yun said while wiping away tears.

"What? Someone dared to hit my beloved grandson. Where was that bastard Wang Fangyi? How did he protect him?" Li Shimin became furious when he heard this.

"My great-uncle, he said he was from a famous family in Yangzhou. He brought many guards with him, all of whom were armed. Guard Captain Wang was worried about us, so he asked us to return first.

Mother, will Guard Captain Wang be beaten by them?" Chang Sunyan cried.

"Be good, don't cry, Yan'er. Humph, a prominent family in Jingzhou? Bullshit prominent family, is there any family in the world more noble than my Li family? When your mother was young, she liked to fight these so-called famous families in Chang'an City.

If you dare to hit my son and nephew, I will see how many lives you have left." Princess Changle Li Lizhi snorted coldly.

"Let's go, I want to see who is so bold." Li Shimin sneered and stood up, walking forward. Everyone followed closely behind him.

When they arrived at the woods, they saw Wang Fangyi and several guards holding knives and confronting dozens of people on the opposite side, who even had bows and crossbows in their hands. Li Chengqian frowned when he saw this, and he and Chang Sun Chong drew their swords and stood in front of everyone.

"Oh, the younger one is beaten, and now the older one is coming out." A dandy young man on the opposite side laughed.

"Why did you hit my child?" Li Chengqian asked with narrowed eyes.

"They beat my brother." said the dandy boy.

"Nonsense, it was obviously your brother who robbed someone and was the first to do it. I can testify to that." A young woman came down from a nearby carriage and said. Li Chengqian looked over and saw that the woman was handsome and stunningly beautiful.

"So what? It's his fault for not giving the dagger to my brother. If my brother wants it, he has to give it to him. If he doesn't, he deserves to be beaten. Whose daughter are you? I advise you to mind your own business." The dandy boy said indifferently.

"My name is Wu Mei. Today, I saw injustice on the road and drew my sword to help. Although I am a woman, I also know that justice is in the hearts of the people. How can I see injustice and turn a blind eye to it?"

Li Chengqian was shocked when he heard this. Wu Mei? Wu Meiniang? The only female emperor in Chinese history! Wu Meiniang was supposed to enter the palace in the 11th year of Zhenguan. However, because of Li Chengqian's existence, Zhangsun Wugou was still alive and Li Shimin loved Zhangsun Wugou wholeheartedly. It had been a long time since he had chosen a concubine, so Wu Meiniang did not enter the palace.

"She is indeed worthy of being an empress. Her courage is no less than that of any man." Li Chengqian thought.

"Oh, I was thinking. She is the daughter of the governor of Jingzhou, Wu Shiyu. I'm sorry, but my father has a close relationship with the Prince of Hejian. Even your father should give my family some face.

But, for your father's sake, as long as they apologize and hand over the dagger, I can pretend nothing happened." The dandy boy laughed.

"Haha, apologize, you want us to apologize?" Chang Sun Chong was so angry that he laughed out loud.

"Please leave your name." Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes and said.

"What? Still want to settle the score? Humph, let me tell you that I am Bai Lianyuan, from the Bai family, the most prestigious family in Yangzhou." The dandy boy said proudly.

"The Bai family of Yangzhou? Isn't the most prestigious family in Yangzhou a branch of the Xiao family of Lanling? When did the Bai family emerge?" Changsun Wuji frowned.

"Hmph, who cares about the Bai family and the Hei family? How many aristocratic families have been exterminated by Dalang and I? Just beat my grandson and destroy him." Li Shimin snorted coldly.

"Mr. Bai, I have heard a little about the name of the Bai family. Although the Bai family has developed rapidly in recent years and is quite powerful. However, the person on the other side is not someone your Bai family can afford to offend. Well, I still advise you to apologize quickly, otherwise your life may be in danger." Wu Mei advised kindly.

"Just them? Humph. We have far more people than them now. Even if they are royal relatives, even if Li Shimin himself comes. In this wilderness, if we kill them and bury them anywhere, no one will know." Bai Lianyuan said disdainfully.

"How dare you call the saint's name directly. How many heads do you have in your Bai family that deserve to be chopped off?" Changsun Wuji said angrily.

"Haha, Mr. Bai is so bold. Are you going to silence me too?" Wu Mei sneered.

"Hehe, my lady is so beautiful that I feel pity for her. Naturally, I have to enjoy her first." Bai Lianyuan said with a lewd smile.

"You are a pervert who doesn't know how to live or die." Wu Mei said angrily.

"Okay, ma'am, don't be angry. Boy, I have to say you are very brave. Now that I know your name, it will be easy to erect a monument for you." Li Chengqian said calmly, and then he stepped forward. The Deng brothers, Changsun Chong, Wang Fangyi and the guards followed closely behind him.

Although there were few people like Li Chengqian, what kind of person was Li Chengqian? He was the most powerful person in the Tang Dynasty. In addition, the Deng brothers, Changsun Chong, and Li Shimin's personal guard Wang Fangyi were all highly skilled in martial arts. The Prince's Palace Guards and Li Shimin's personal guards were all excellent soldiers who were picked from thousands of miles away.

Although Li Chengqian's men were few in number, they still easily killed all of them. When the dude saw Li Chengqian and his men easily kill his guards, he fell to the ground in horror.

"Who are you?"

"According to the Tang Dynasty Law, anyone who is not an official, a noble, a soldier on a campaign or military duty, or a law enforcement officer who is in charge of public security or arrest operations, or a person specially approved by the court, who carries a weapon, will be punished for treason.

I wonder which category you belong to? Humph, you dare to openly violate the laws of the Tang Dynasty. You are very brave.

Moreover, only the royal family can use yellow and dragon as patterns. Take a closer look at the jade pendant on my master's waist. What is the pattern on it? What color is the rope used? Who do you think we are?

Oh, I forgot, daring to call the saint's name directly, showing weapons to the saint and the crown prince, is tantamount to treason. Hehe, I have to say, you are awesome, committing two high treasonous crimes in succession. You are a ruthless kid." Deng Xiaohu bent down and whispered in Bai Lianyuan's ear.

Bai Lianyuan hurriedly looked at the jade pendant on Li Chengqian's waist, and saw a five-clawed golden dragon carved on it, and the rope was a bright yellow color that only saints could use. This jade pendant was given to Li Chengqian by Li Shimin on his 18th birthday.

Bai Lianyuan was so frightened that he couldn't make a sound. Li Shimin waved his hand and said calmly.

"Kill them all. Xiaogong is also involved in this matter. Chong'er should investigate what's going on.

By the way, the Bai family is plotting rebellion, so there is no need to keep them. Tell Xiaogong about what happened here and let him handle it. "

Upon hearing this, Deng Xiaohu let out a sinister grin and killed the two brothers of the Bai family with a single knife.

"Well! What should we do with these corpses of uncle?" Chang Sun Chong clasped his fists.

"What should we do? How can such traitors be buried? Guards, throw these damned bastards into the river to feed the fish." Li Chengqian sheathed his sword and said. The guards clasped their fists and accepted the order, throwing the bodies into the river.

Just as everyone was about to leave, they suddenly heard Wu Mei's excited shout behind them.

"and many more!"

"Young lady, you have spoken up for justice. I thank you and will repay you in the future. I wonder if there is anything else?" Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"I am Wu Mei, the daughter of Wu Shigui, the Duke of Yingguo of the Tang Dynasty and the governor of Jingzhou. I pay my respects to the Holy Saint and the Holy Prince. Long live the emperor and a thousand years to the prince." Wu Mei straightened her clothes and then paid her respects with great ceremony.

"Please stand up, young lady. I have always heard that Lord Wu has a daughter who is quite talented and beautiful. I didn't expect to meet her here." Li Shimin said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"Did the young lady discover our identities early on? How did you find out?" Changsun Wuji asked curiously.

"I dare not deceive the saint, the prince and all the nobles. I have admired the saint and the prince since I was young, especially the prince. Therefore, I know everything about the prince. I saw that the sword in your hand was the prince's sword Qingshuang. That's how I learned it." Wu Mei replied.

"Oh, I didn't expect that. In the capital, Dalang is the dream lover of thousands of girls. I didn't expect that in this faraway Jingzhou, there are still little fans of Dalang. Dalang, you are really charming." Chang Sun Chong said jokingly. Everyone laughed when they heard it.

"Go away, you are such an indecent person. Please don't be offended, young lady. Since you already know our identities, please feel free to ask for anything you want." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"I have been in love with Your Highness since I was young. Today I have the honor to meet Your Highness. It is really a blessing from God. I request to stay by Your Highness' side forever. I am willing to be your slave. I hope Your Highness will grant me permission." Wu Mei kowtowed excitedly.

"This?" Li Chengqian hesitated. The empress in front of him was the one who could end the Tang Dynasty. If she continued to break the Tang Dynasty in the middle like she did in history, that would be disastrous.

Moreover, Wu Mei's scheming and tactics are incomparable to ordinary people. Among her women, except for Li Ling'er and Yu Moyun, the two little foxes, the rest are no match for Wu Mei, especially her first wife Su Wan'er. To put it nicely, she is simple and kind, to put it bluntly, she is just a silly and innocent girl, how can she be a match for the empress? In the future, the backyard will be in chaos.

But Wu Mei was indeed a beauty, and everyone loves beauty. As the saying goes, even a hero cannot resist the temptation of a beautiful woman. Li Chengqian is not Liu Xiahui, so how can he avoid falling into the cliché?

"The young lady has extraordinary looks, extraordinary courage, and integrity. She is worthy of being the wife of our Li family. Why are you hesitating, Dalang? I agree on your behalf." Changsun Wugou smiled with her hand covering her mouth.

Well, my mother has spoken. But if I think about it carefully, I can't even conquer Wu Meiniang, how can I conquer the world? If I keep her by my side, I will see if she can replace Tang and establish Zhou.

"Well, since you are willing to do so, just follow me and be my maid for a while." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

Wu Mei was disappointed when she heard that Li Chengqian only wanted her to be a maid. However, Wu Mei believed that with her looks and skills, she would be able to win Li Chengqian's heart sooner or later, so she was overjoyed and thanked him.